November/December 2012 - League of American Bicyclists

AMERICAN
League of American Bicyclists
Nov-Dec 2012
www.bikeleague.org
Working for a Bicycle-Friendly America
LIFE-CHANGING
ADVENTURES &
FAVORITE RIDES
The 2013 Ride Guide p. 18
8
TACKLING THE
IMPOSSIBLE
50 Centuries,
50 States, 50 Days
12
I RIDE WHERE
LOVE TAKES ME
A Philadelphia man
finds grace and gratitude
on three continents
American Bicyclist I
content
Photo: Cycle Oregon 2012 by Dean Rodgers, KoiFish Communications
NOV-DEC 2012
12
18
IN EVERY ISSUE
Viewpoint.......................................................... 2
InBox................................................................... 3
Cogs & Gears.................................................... 4
QuickStop.......................................................... 28
From the Saddle
8
Tackling the Impossible:
50 Centuries, 50 States, 50 Days
12 I Ride Where Love Takes Me
8
A Philadelphia man finds grace and
gratitude on three continents
16 Ride to the Stars
How one New York cyclist is pedaling
a new view of the galaxy — by bike
Ride Guide
18
ON THE
COVER!
2013 Ride Guide
League members, local bike clubs and
advocacy groups choose their favorite rides.
Cover photo: Cycle Oregon 2012 by Dean Rodgers,
KoiFish Communications
16
viewpoint [
Andy Clarke, president]
EPICRIDE
an
E
Every ride has its ups and downs.
Whether it’s my daily commute or
an epic stage of the Tour de France,
there are those fabulous moments
when the wind is behind me on a
gradual descent — and then I hit a
lung-busting climb and wonder what
I was thinking to even get on the bike
in the first place.
Well, maybe I’m over-dramatizing my ride to work every day, but
2012 certainly has been an epic ride
for the League with both high and
low points along the way. The transportation bill, for example, provided
some of both. Even though we were
disappointed with the eventual outcome, we — you — really made a difference. Hearing back from Congressional offices that the voice of cyclists
echoed loud and clear on Capitol Hill
was immensely satisfying.
Our exciting exploration of combining forces with Bikes Belong and
the Alliance for Biking & Walking
was like an optional loop ride with
inspiring views; ridden in great company. Even though the loop brought
us back to our original route, we are
stronger and better for having ridden
the extra miles and glimpsed our true
potential.
2 American Bicyclist
One reason the 2012 ride was so
great was our components were in
tip-top condition: a well-oiled machine, one might say. We had record
participation at the National Bike
Summit (again), exciting growth in
the Bicycle Friendly America programs, and a new direction for our
education materials. We worked with
our members and affiliates to make
the National Bike Challenge a major
success and coordinated with our
partners at the Alliance and America
Bikes on our Navigating MAP-21
campaign. Plus, exciting new initiatives, like our Women Bike program,
feel like a new wheel set or a lighter,
faster frame — we can’t wait to see
how far they will take us!
You know as well as me, though,
that what makes a truly great ride is
the people; your fellow riders. The
work you and our affiliated clubs
and advocacy groups are doing to
make biking better in communities
across the country inspires us on a
daily basis. You are the reason we get
on our bikes every day — literally
and figuratively — to promote and
protect the rights of cyclists, to be the
voice of cyclists in this country.
On a personal note, I could
not have been more honored and
humbled to be the dedication recipi-
ent of the 30th El Tour de Tucson on
November 18th. This great event
captures the essence of an epic ride
and has a host committee of inspiring people who ride and organize it.
In the 111 miles of riding I know I’ll
probably experience some pain and
plenty of joy (provided I cross the finish line successfully). I also know that
I’ll be looking forward to riding into
work the following Monday — just as
we are looking forward to an exciting
2013 for the League and the cycling
movement.
Andy Clarke
League President
inbox [
letters to the editor]
TWEETED
asuka hisa @asukahisa
Yolanda Davis-Overstreet
gives Ride in Living Color film
preview @#womenbike summit;
bikes, racially diverse urban
communities, women, good.
Every Bicyclist Counts
Two articles in the July-August
issue of American Bicyclist had
personal references for me. The
first was by Bill Wilson (“Urgency
and Eternity”) about his generous
gift to the League. Like Bill, I was a
math major and went to a college in
Richmond, Ind. I smiled when I read
about what must have been one heck
of a wind to push him more than
200 miles to Detroit and beyond.
More seriously, my husband and I
were on our own cross country bike
ride in 2006 when we met the Adventure Cycling tour written about
in Elizabeth Kiker’s article on the
League’s new effort to reduce cycling
fatalities (“Every Bicyclist Counts”).
Every one of the members of the tour
mentioned the tragic accident and
death that occurred on the first day of
their tour. They were all emotionally
affected. Tracking the circumstances
around each fatality nationwide is
one of the best ways to help all of us
who bike, and the League’s leading
role in projects like this is one of the
main reasons I am a member. Please
keep up the great work!
- Judith Cade, Riddle, Ore.
TWEETED
GOTRIbal @GOTRIbalbaby
#womenbike summit is
awesome. Listening to Olympian
Dotsie Bausch and lovin it.
Great cover!
We were excited to see two
friends on the cover of the September-October issue of American
Bicyclist. San Francisco Supervisor
Eric Mar regularly hosts a “bike to
work” constituent session from the
Velo Rouge Cafe near Golden Gate
Park to City Hall. It’s more fun than
work but we get to talk about issues
on the way. His smile on the cover is
real; he enjoys cycling. Jean Fraser is
on the board of the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition and every year joined
my wife and I for a cycling weekend
that raised funds for a women’s clinic.
She rides to work as the Executive
Director of San Mateo Public Health
System — and the rest of her family
loves their time on the bike, too!
- Dale M. Butler and Tina Panziera,
San Francisco, Calif.
Flip-flopper
I was very disturbed to see the
photo on the cover and page 10 of the
July-August issue of American Bicyclist. Riding in flip-flops is dangerous.
Featuring riders with helmets and
flip-flops sends a distorted message
implying safe riding conditions when,
in fact, those flip-flops are a hazard to
the person wearing them AND those
riding along-side the flip-flopper.
Please stress the danger of riding in
flip-flops and the importance of safe
riding head AND foot gear.
- A D Martin, Washington, D.C.
FACEBOOK MESSAGE
I just finished reading “Living
and Riding Second by Second”
in [American Bicyclist, July-August] .
Inspire is a perfect word! Emily Gresh
has an amazing gift for language and
describing her journey. Thank you for
another great issue with incredible
stories! – Melissa Krall
FACEBOOK MESSAGE
Thanks for publishing the
inspiring story by Emily Gresh.
As a Stage II breast cancer survivor,
bicycling has, and is, helping in my
recovery. – Cheryl Carmo
Thanks for your letters
We eagerly await all of
your comments — good
and bad — on cycling, the
League, our publications,
and just about anything
else you want to tell us
about. E-mail carolyn@
bikeleague.org or mail it
to us at 1612 K Street NW,
Suite 510, Washington,
D.C. 20006. Comment
on facebook.com/
leagueamericanbicyclists
or twitter.com/bikeleague.
Letters may be edited for
style and length.
American Bicyclist 3
cogs&gears
Leader from the Ovarian Psycos
(Photo by Maureen McGinnis)
Photo by Maureen McGinnis
Women Bike!
LEAGUE LAUNCHES
Hundreds attend the first National Women’s Bicycling Summit
Women’s Ride
(Photo by Elizabeth Williams)
By Carolyn Szczepanski
A
s I stood at the podium and
looked out at the packed room,
I saw – and felt – the future of
the bicycle movement.
In September, the League
hosted the National Women’s
Bicycling Summit and the response
was overwhelming. Nearly 300
participants joined us for the first
full-day event aimed at showcasing
women leaders in bicycle advocacy
and increasing the number of women
who ride nationwide. I had barely
finished my welcome when a woman
in the crowd yelled “It’s about time!”
— and a massive cheer erupted from
the packed room.
She was right: It is time.
In 2009, women accounted for
just 24 percent of bike trips in the U.S.
It’s time for that to change. We simply
cannot succeed as a movement if we
fail to engage, empower and elevate
50 percent of the population. And
4 American Bicyclist
the energy and enthusiasm is already
rising: More and more women from
all backgrounds are riding – and
leading – in communities across the
nation.
The Women’s Summit was a
powerful opportunity to put those
leaders in the same room to share
their stories, successes and ideas.
The event featured break-out
sessions focusing on equity, media,
political engagement, family biking,
bicycle sports and youth engagement
that inspired and informed the
presenters and audience alike. (Read
more about the sessions at blog.
bikeleague.org.)
But the event was about more
than Powerpoints and best practices.
It was about making connections
and meeting leaders from other
cities. It was about seeing women at
the podiums — seeing ourselves as
the experts and leaders we are. As
one reporter pointed out to me, the
incredible energy and diversity at
the Women’s Summit foreshadows
a strong future for the bicycle
movement.
The Summit was just the start.
From that podium, I had the honor
to announce a new League program:
Women Bike. Women Bike will
empower more women to ride and
become engaged in the diverse
leadership opportunities of the bicycle
movement — as advocates, engineers,
retailers, manufacturers and policy
makers — through networking,
knowledge sharing, resources and
inspiration. Learn more at www.
womenbike.org!
In fact, we’re already planning our
next full-day Women Bike event. Join
us for “Women Mean Business”
at the 2013 National Bike Summit.
Learn more and register at
www.bikeleague.org/summit13.
LEAGUE RECOGNIZES
BICYCLE FRIENDLY LEADERS
Photo by Allan Crawford
By Bill Nesper
T
he Bicycle Friendly America (BFA) program is a team effort. To make a
community, business or university better for biking takes input, effort
and cooperation from a variety of different stakeholders. And, over the
past decade, we’ve been inspired by incredible leaders across the nation who
have taken the BFA program to new heights.
To recognize and celebrate those leaders, we launched our new Bicycle
Friendly America Leadership Award program in September. This awards
program will highlight and honor the individuals who are using the tools
of the BFA program in new and effective ways to build a bicycle-friendly
America from the ground up.
Our first recipient, Mayor Bob Foster of Long Beach, Calif., has worked
to expand the city’s bicycling network and more than double the number
of bicycle commuters over the past four years alone. By combining vision
and action, Foster is helping to transform an industrial city into a cycling
destination.
Our second recipient was the catalyst and champion of the National Bike
Challenge: Rob Gusky of the Kimberly-Clark Corporation. Thanks to Rob,
what started as a corporate program moved to a statewide initiative and then
a national effort that inspired 30,000 Americans to log more than 12 million
miles this summer.
Read more about the award winners and learn more about the program
at bikeleague.org/bfa.
Mayor Bob Foster
Rob Gusky
American Bicyclist 5
cogs&gears
LEADING THE WAY:
GAIL AND JIM SPANN
By Elizabeth Kiker
G
ail Copus Spann and Jim
Spann recently announced a
$400,000, two-year gift to the
League of American Bicyclists.
Copus Spann serves as the atlarge board member of the League’s
executive committee and has been
on the board since 2010. She recently
served as a liaison to the unification
group, on behalf of the League.
“Going through the proposed
merger with Bikes Belong, the Alliance for Biking & Walking and the
League inspired me to take some of
those shared goals and help fund
them,” Copus Spann says. “It was important that Jim and I, as passionate
League members, step up and make
a significant difference. Being part of
the talks reinforced the value of the
League’s work for me.”
The Spanns are long-time League
members, and long-time supporters
of cycling. In addition to the unification talks, they’ve been inspired
by the League’s education program,
Women Bike and the leadership of
League President, Andy Clarke. In making their decision to
commit so generously to the League,
Copus Spann reflected on how the
cycling community has shown her
generosity in the past.
“After I had an injury while racing, the bicycle community in Houston paid all my medical expenses
through private donations,” she says.
“I made a promise to myself then that
I would do everything in my power
to make life better for cyclists. Being
on the board of the League is the
6 American Bicyclist
Gail Copus Spann and Jim Spann
pinnacle to me. I love being an LCI
(League Cycling Instructor), and I
have so much fun educating people
about proper bicycling. I also love my
fellow LCIs and see all the good that
we do.”
Women Bike, the League’s new
program [see article, page 4], was
also an inspiration for Copus Spann.
“In 1992, when I was president of the
Woodlands Cycling Club in Houston,
I noticed that there was a real lack of
women participating,” she recalls. “It
didn’t take me long to figure out what
it would take to get women to join us
— patience, invitations, attention and
encouragement. Pretty soon, we had
87 women biking on a regular basis
on a Saturday morning.”
Women Bike will do this work
on a national scale, inspiring clubs
and advocacy organizations on how
to increase women bicyclists and
women bicycling advocates. “When
women are made to feel welcome,
their encouragement and enthusiasm
will only grow,” Copus Spann says.
“And those women will turn around
and encourage other women: that is
the secret.”
The Spanns’ generosity is powering the League to success now and
in the future. “I am so proud of the
great history and durability of the
League of American Bicyclists,” Copus Spann says. We take great pride
in this wonderful organization.”
Gail Copus Spann — holding the One More Bike sign — at a recent LCI
training in Irving, Texas.
Education Program Goes Online
By Alissa Simcox
The League’s Smart Cycling program is the only national certification program
for bike education. Over the years, we’ve made updates to ensure the quality and
relevance of our instruction. But in recent months we’ve reexamined the program —
and realized it’s time for a change.
The important principles and core teaching of the education program will remain the same, but we’re making the format and delivery more modern and accessible. The education program is going online!
The new format will provide online content in 17 separate modules, like Stopping and Starting, and
Changing Lanes. These
modules incorporate
videos, photos and other
interactive components
that allow the public
the opportunity to learn
about bicycle safety in a
fun — and free — way.
Don’t worry: This
program won’t eliminate on-bike learning
or make it more difficult for League Cycling
Instructors to host
classes. The modules are
designed to expose more
people to bicycling education and we’re confident these individuals will be empowered to take a hands-on
class tailored to their needs. In fact, at the end of each online module, students will
have the opportunity to contact their local LCI for more information.
State and local clubs and advocacy organizations will be able to mix and match
the online components to create tailored online content they can easily deliver. And
bicyclists interested in becoming a League Cycling Instructor (LCI) won’t have to
take the full nine-hour Traffic Skills 101 (TS101) course in a classroom. Instead,
they’ll be able to work with a local LCI to customize lessons covering only the content they need.
We’re excited to roll out the new program the beginning of 2013. This is a great
opportunity to expose more individuals to bicycling education and to reach our goal
of getting more people on bikes.
American Bicyclist is printed with
soy ink on 30% post-consumer
recycled paper certified by the
Forest Stewardship Council.
GIVING
Thank you to the following
organizations and
individuals who have
contributed at least $100
to the League, above
and beyond membership
dues, from August 1 –
September 30, 2012.
$5,000+
Individuals
Gail Copus Spann & Jim Spann
Bill Wilson
$1,000-$4,999
Organizations
Almaden Cycle Touring Club
$100-$999
Organizations
Mosby Lincoln Foundation
Individuals
Guy Babineau
Daniel & Geri Baris
Anne Becker
Anonymous
Evelyn Chereson
Michael Collette
Steve Combs
Don Fell
Jennifer Fox
Bill Graustein
James & Kay Havenga
Robert Hingtgen
Eric Holtz
Alan Kailer
Kathryn L. Lane
Thane McCann
James Mees
John L. Mettille
Frank Parrish
Rogers Family
Thomas Royer
Mike Sapp
John Siemiatkoski
George Simmons
Thomas Talley
Yvette White
American Bicyclist 7
FROM THE SADDLE
5
TACKLING
THE
50
50
50
CENTURIES
STATES
Giving a thumbs-up in Alaska
DAYS
Riding through the
red dust of Arizona
Celebrating 60 years with a ride to remember
I
By Cindi Rauch
If I were to point the finger at
anyone, it would have to be Dean
Karnazes. In 2006, when he was 44,
he ran 50 marathons in 50 states in 50
days. I thought it was amazing. Never mind that he had a class-A
motor home and an entourage that
included a masseuse and a nutritionist — I wanted to do something similar. I planned. I routed. I stayed in
decent physical shape ... just in case. Well, guess what? This year, I act8 American Bicyclist
ed on my inspiration. In May, when
I turned 60 years old, I embarked on
an epic ride: 50 Centuries in 50 States
in 50 Days.
All along the way people asked
me what had motivated me to plan
such a trip, what reason could there
possibly be to physically tax a body
that was poised to enter the world of
Social Security benefits and senior
discounts? I’m not sure I have a good
answer to that question. I can tell you that I longed to
stretch myself to the point where I
honestly did not know if I could succeed. I wanted to leave a legacy for
friends and family that shouts: “You
can do anything! Put your heart, your
resources and your energy into something and watch the marvelous thing
it becomes!” Perhaps it seems a silly quest
when I have friends who are doing
noble things like adopting Ethio-
50
IMPOSSIBLE
A big smile in Alaska
pian babies and feeding hundreds of
homeless people each week. But this
is my thing. Since 2007, I have ridden
an average of 10,000 miles a year:
getting groceries, delivering Meals
on Wheels, returning library books.
Nothing gives me a feeling of freedom like cycling. This is my passion,
and I promised myself I would give
this venture my best. Barring broken
bones or profuse bleeding, I would
finish all 50 states. I would ride 5,000
miles in 50 days.
Taking a rest along the Lochsa River in Idaho
I spent the better part of a year
staring at Microsoft MapPoint on my
computer screen, designing routes for
each state, tweaking those routes so
that they were efficient in getting me
to my next state, moderate in their
elevation gain, and located on secondary roads that were safe. I enlisted
the help and support of four amazing
girlfriends: Karen Cooper, Patty Holt,
Liz Wakeman, and Laura Schroeder.
Finally, on May 19, I flew to the big
island of Hawaii and put together my
coupled Rodriguez touring bike.
I could have been relaxing on
a beach for a couple of weeks, but
instead, at a few minutes past midnight on May 22, I rode from Kailua
Kona out to Hawi and then back to
the Kona Keyhole airport where my
Hawaiian hosts met me with the rest
of my gear. I caught a 1 p.m. flight
back to California, and as luck would
have it, sat next to Lance Armstrong’s
American Bicyclist 9
FROM THE SADDLE
Ice cream stop with Laura Schroeder
in Maine
Our team (from left) Liz Wakeman, Laura Schroeder, Cindi, Patty Holt and
Karen Cooper
pilot on the five-hour flight. I took it
as a good omen. I worked my way across the
southern portion of the United States,
dealing with sand and dust storms
in Arizona; thunderstorms in Oklahoma; and mechanical issues with
both the Rodriguez bike and the
Litespeed Blue Ridge I brought along
just in case. The adventure became
one long session in problem solving.
Besides riding the century, I often
had to travel well over 200 miles
(our longest distance: 330 miles from
the north side of Bakersfield to Las
Vegas) to get to our overnight stop.
In the Southwest this was particularly
grueling. Several nights we set up our
camp in the dark.
I rode through towering red rock
formations in Utah. I had a herd of
horses run alongside me in Oklahoma. I experienced the trifecta of
cycling heartache in New Hampshire
10 American Bicyclist
when we rode in severe heat, hills,
and headwinds. Water bottles were
filled every time I stopped at the
truck, and we literally went through a
ton of ice. Dinner was sometimes the
generous offering of the hosts with
whom we stayed, a quick bite at a restaurant along our route, or a simple
meal of chicken, rice, and vegetables
when we got to our campground for
the night. I knew I had turned a corner
when we were riding in Vermont.
The demanding ride in New Hampshire had given way to an idyllic ride,
and we found ourselves looking for
highway signs that included the suffix
“west.” Highway 9 West. I-90 West.
I was heading home. Alaska was my final state. In
shorts and sandals, while woefully
underdressed, I rode from Girdwood
to Soldotna, where a high school
friend was waiting with a bear hug.
Above: Crossing the
Indian River in Delaware
Left: An early-morning start in
Hurricane, Utah
Below left: A sign along the
111-mile ride in Alaska
The 111 miles were brisk. I took a
few days off, caught some halibut and
king salmon — but I’m already looking at maps again. People ask me what my favorite
part of the trip was and I tell them
it was two-fold. First, there is a deep
satisfaction when you complete
something that you set out to do
— particularly something difficult.
And secondly, there are indelible
memories of kind-hearted, interesting people all along the way; people
who made even a hard thing the most
wonderful sort of adventure.
Oh, and those maps? They
are pointing to 58 National Parks.
Hmmm ...
Read more about Cindi’s adventure on
her blog: www.50centuriesin50statesin
50days.blogspot.com
American Bicyclist 11
FROM THE SADDLE
where
Ride
Lovetakes me
I
Inquisitive children in Kenya
12 American Bicyclist
A Philadelphia man finds grace
and gratitude on three continents
M
By David Hale Sylvester
My first bicycle expedition was in fourth grade when my family and I
moved to Starkville, Mississippi, from Philadelphia. Within hours of our arrival, my restless energy was driving everyone crazy. To ease the tension, my
mother gave me the ultimate green light. “Just go out and ride,” she said.
I grabbed my bike with its purple banana seat and pedaled out into
the surrounding farmland with only my thirst for exploring to guide me. I
ripped through Starkville’s rural streets, hollering “Hellooooooo!” as loudly
as I could to anyone who could hear me until it got dark.
Back in the house, I looked out across the blackened acres of my new
home and smiled. That ride was a huge stepping stone. It wasn’t that far, but
I made it through a vast territory: my own fear. This was my first taste of
self-confidence. This was my first taste of love.
When we moved back to Philly two years later, I continued to explore
and my bike brought new friends and opportunities into my life. At the
time, that was enough for me. But as I grew up and faced difficulties – like
bad report cards, which came often – I discovered that, no matter how bad
things were, a simple bike ride could always make me smile.
On September 11, 2001, I lost one of my closest friends and mentors –
Kevin Bowser – in the World Trade Center tragedy. Grappling with unbearable loss sparked the idea of biking across North America to raise money
for Kevin’s scholarship fund. Like never before, cycling became the ultimate
expression of love.
As I embarked on my 55-day trip across North America in 2002, the
riding was tough at first. But I soon became comfortable with the routine
and the 90 miles per day wasn’t grueling or even daunting anymore. It was
just what I had to do. Across 15 states, the wind, forward movement, hugs
and simple human encounters started to fill the void in my life left by my
friend’s sudden and senseless death.
I returned home wanting to keep moving, to keep that feeling going.
That’s when I heard about a bicycle race across Africa. Just seeing the route
through Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa was enough to hook me. Never mind that I’d
never been beyond North America before, that I’d never camped and wasn’t
a professional bike racer. All that mattered was that I had extended myself
Photos: 1. With a Samburu warrior in Kenya; 2. Herding camels in Sudan;
3. Taking a break in Khartoum, Sudan; 4. First handshake in Kenya
1.
2.
3.
4.
American Bicyclist 13
FROM THE SADDLE
for love in the past and I was a better
man for it. Pedaling through Africa
felt like the next step I needed to take.
Make no mistake: Riding from
Cairo to Cape Town was difficult.
The 112-degree heat, sauna-like air
combined with the each peak of the
undulating sandy and rutted roads
drained me. Our group of cyclists
splintered to the point that we were
nothing more than a few individuals
on bikes scattered across the EastAfrican countryside.
But it was worth it.
From Egypt’s majesty to Sudan’s
warmth; from Ethiopia’s mountain
ranges to Tanzania’s lushness; from
Malawi’s reenergizing lakes to Zambia’s hospitality ... Africa touched me.
By the time I biked onto Botswana’s
flat, paved roads — where, one day,
a pack of five elephants crossed in
front of me — I felt like I was in a
wonderland. Africa left me fulfilled,
energized and more enlightened.
I boarded my flight back to
Philadelphia with wide eyes, wonderElephants in
Botswana.
Excerpted from:
I Never Intended to
Be Brave: A Woman’s
Bicycle Journey Through
Southern Africa
by Heather Andersen
Family riding in Botswana
ing, “Where else can love take me?”
Unfortunately, a drunk driver put
that question on hold. I had already
signed up for a trip across South
America when I was seriously injured
in a car crash. My body was battered.
My will was broken. But the friends
I’d known my whole life – and the
friends I’d made cycling – reignited
my passion.
I was so indebted to them that I
had to ride again. To honor 122 of my
friends, I taped their photos all over
my bicycle — and set off for a bike
race across Asia, from Istanbul to
Hanging out with school
kids in Tanzania
As I ride away from Ai-Ais, nearing the end of my time in Namibia,
I reflect back on this country I’ve
come to treasure.
Solitude. Sand. Sun. Wind. These
are the themes of cycling in the Namibian desert. Time with nature. To
think. To be. Some days I cycle for 10
hours and see only that many cars.
Here it’s just me and my bike
— a team after four months on the
road. I keep the pedals going round,
and my bike carries all my gear on
its racks. Occasionally, the sand on
the roads gets so
deep, I need to
walk and push
my bike. Usually,
though, we roll
along through
the living desert.
Something
has taken me to
this magic place.
It’s my heart, and
the true freedom of allowing it to lead me. Now I go where
I want and am happy to be there. I’m
at peace with the world. And there’s
no greater happiness — though
there is struggle. Struggle into
insane winds, struggle along sandy
roads. Though the conditions are not
always what I’d want, I am always
right where I want to be.
As the sun lowers toward the
horizon, I pull off the road and walk
through a dark gray, sandy gravel
field. I haven’t seen any people or
vehicles since I turned onto this road
three hours ago. I’m comfortable
alone in this country I’ve come to
love. The Namibian desert encourages me, inspires me to keep going,
into South Africa.
Read more at bicyclingheather.com.
14 American Bicyclist
Beijing. The first week of that fourmonth tour was hell. Turkey’s hazy
skies, hot temperatures and dense humidity sapped my energy. I lay in my
tent at night wondering if I was going
to get through Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan,
Tajikistan, Krygystan and China.
Throughout my time in the
region, there was a fascination surrounding my hue of skin that caused
me to believe I was the first black
male to step foot in these parts. Overall, it was an honor to be that guy, but
sometimes the gawking and occasional rubbing of my skin to see if the
color would wipe off was overwhelming. But 50 miles from the TajikistanKyrgzstan border I was reminded of
our international solidarity.
I was enjoying the countryside
when I heard a distant boom, boom,
boom. The sound came closer and I
realized it was a car blaring a Kool G.
Rap song. The driver stepped out of
his car and walked toward me with
arms open for a hug. Wearing a tank
top showing off his shoulder tattoo
Riding past
the Wall of
Shandan in
China
The flags of
the countries that
David traveled
through on his
trip to Asia.
and a New York Yankees ball cap, this
guy wasn’t like the other men I’d seen
in the region. He handed me some
paper, written in Tajik, with his name
and email address and pictures taken
from his iPhone. “We are brothers
now,” he said.
There were many moments of
brotherhood on my trips in Asia and
Africa, and when ESPN asked me to
write an article about my adventures,
it was difficult to narrow it down to
just a few stories. But the reaction
to that article was overwhelming
and global. In fact, I was so touched
by the emails that poured in from
around the world that I had to find a
way to show my thanks.
Once again, I showed my gratitude through cycling with my “Let
This Be the Moment Tour.” Riding
unsupported from San Diego to
New York City, I stopped weekly to
volunteer with various charities. Over
the course of two months, I served
the homeless, the blind, former felons,
recovering addicts and survivors of
domestic violence. When I rode into
NYC on September 11, 2008, I wasn’t
just reflecting on the experience of the
trip, but reevaluating my entire life.
I couldn’t help but think back to
my youth, when riding my bike set
a defining benchmark for freedom,
fearlessness and love. Love was what
compelled every cyclist to ride into
Botswana’s rising sun. Love was what
drove that young Tajik man to call me
his brother. Love is what my mother
unknowingly sent me off to find
when she said, “Just go out and ride.”
David Hale Sylvester is a bicyclist,
filmmaker, motivator and author
of “Traveling at the Speed of Life.”
Read more about him at
www.findyourbike.org
American Bicyclist 15
FROM THE SADDLE
Ride to the
How one New York cyclist is pedaling
a new view of the galaxy — by bike
By Doug Reilly
My bicycle is a space ship. And a time machine.
You wouldn’t know from a cursory glance. Sure, it’s longer
and heavier than average, but it has no special engine. Look
into the hard case latched to the rear platform, however,
and you’ll find another old technology: a telescope. It
collects and focuses light, just like the bicycle collects and
focuses the mechanical energy of a human body. These two
technologies allow me to transcend time and space.
16 American Bicyclist
I
am on a journey that began when
I was just a boy, amazed at how
many stars I could see at the
Vanderbilt Planetarium and curious why I couldn’t see them in the
real sky of my New York City suburb.
I lost astronomy for a long time, but
got it back in 2001 when I returned
to the U.S. after a stint in the Peace
Corps. By then I had worries that
hadn’t troubled that wide-eyed boy
years ago, and astronomy seemed to
offer a calming perspective.
Bicycles had caught my eye by
then, too, as something more than
just a fun way to get around. It was
just a matter of time before I looked
at my telescope and my bicycle, sharing space in my increasingly crowded
garage, and an idea was sparked.
I ride out of my driveway at 4
a.m. Under the glare of the streetlights, I can see only the brightest
stars and planets, hinting at my destination. A fox crosses the road ahead
of me. I pass the strip malls and the
sky above me is completely obscured
by the pink glow of light pollution.
I turn left down a country road and
reach escape velocity.
All of a sudden I am in dark farm
fields, and the universe has opened
above me.
The bright stars Vega, Deneb
and Altair are setting in the west, a
sign of summer sliding into fall. The
light from Deneb, I know, has been
travelling for more than 2,000 years.
To the east, Jupiter is poised above
the horns of Taurus, chased by Orion
the hunter. It’s light has only been
travelling for a half an hour. Above, I
find the Great Square of Pegasus, and
follow one of its arms towards the
“W” of Cassiopeia.
Between the two constellations I
spot a faint whisper of light. The Andromeda Galaxy is the farthest thing
the naked eye can see. The photons
that my eyes are collecting have been
travelling for 2.5 million years. I only
had to travel two miles to meet it.
I set up my telescope, and
through it the apparition of Andromeda becomes an awe-inspiring sight,
a spiral galaxy with a bright core and
two satellite galaxies hanging around
it. I turn the telescope next on Jupiter,
and the lenses reveal the cloud bands
on Jupiter’s surface, and the giant’s
four principal moon, first observed
by Galileo in 1610. His conclusion
that they orbited Jupiter overturned a
centuries-old cosmology and sparked
a scientific revolution that continues
to this day.
And I — the Bicycle Astronomer — have my part to play in a local
revolution.
For the next year, I’ll be using
my Yuba Mundo
longtail cargo
bike, and several
telescopes that
can be carried
on it, to share
the night sky —
and the joys and
utility of cycling
— with people
all over my small
city of Geneva in
the Finger Lakes
region of New
York State. The current telescopes are
commercial models, chosen for their
relative light weight and compact
size; my future plans include designing and building a “Veloscope”— an
ultra-light telescope that can fold up
into a box and slip into its own pannier for transport, and then sharing
those designs so that other bicycle
astronomers can benefit.
Most of my star parties will take
place in Geneva, under my city’s
somewhat polluted skies, simply
because that’s where the people are.
Other times I hope to lead cyclists
on a trek out of town, like I did this
morning, so that they can experience
just how far one can travel on two
human-powered wheels.
I’m betting that the sight of the
universe’s grandeur, along with the
ingenious utility of the cargo bicycle,
will inspire people to assume their
proper roles as stewards of a rare,
special and delicate planet adrift in a
huge, amazing universe.
I hope it gets people out there—
on bikes, under the stars. Revolution
means to go around.
Doug Reilly blogs about
cycling and astronomy at
www.bicycleastronomy.org
American Bicyclist 17
RIDE GUIDE
RIDE GUIDE
Photo by Aaron Tarfman
The League has 700 affiliated local bike clubs and another 250 advocacy groups. We invited them to choose one of
their rides to highlight in this listing — you can find out more about the clubs and all their rides by using the Find It
feature on www.bikeleague.org. In addition, the Bicycle Tour Network has an extensive list of multi-day rides at www.
bicycletournetwork.com
ALASKA
BEARS: Biking Extraordinary
Alaska Roads
7/7 – 7/9/13
Enjoy Denali’s majestic wonders,
the wildlife of Prince William Sound,
quiet towns and scenic highways.
Alaska
www.pedalerspubandgrille.com/
bike_tours/alaska/Bears.htm
ARKANSAS
New Year Day Ride
1/1/13
Annual 30-mile loop from North
Little Rock
North Little Rock, AR
www.arkansasbicycleclub.org
Bicycle Ride Around Arkansas
4/1 - 4/6/13
Six-day self-supported tour ride
from west Little Rock with camping along the way.
Little Rock, AR
www.arkansasbicycleclub.org
18 American Bicyclist
Big Dam Bridge 100
9/28/13
Arkansas’ largest cycling tour with
routes of 15, 25, 50, 62 and 100
miles.
Little Rock, AR
www.thebigdambridge100.com/
Arky 100
10/13/13
Join us for 25, 50, 62, and 100 mile
loops through the beautiful Grant
County countryside with five rest
stops.
Sheridan, AR
www.arkansasbicycleclub.org/
Hot Springs Overnighter
11/22- 11/23/13
40 mile ride from west Little Rock
to Hot Springs for the Spa Run.
Little Rock, AR
www.arkansasbicycleclub.org
ARIZONA
American Diabetes Tour de Cure
3/16/13
The Tour de Cure is the premier
cycling event to benefit the
American Diabetes Association
-- and a heck of a fun ride! Select
an 8-mile family-friendly ride,
or shoot for the 35, 62, 80 or full
century rides!
Phoenix, AZ
http://tinyurl.com/94ox6qw
MY FA ORITE RIDE
BRUCE MORT
The ride from Monterey
to Santa Barbra, Calif.,
over five days in May.
The views from Route
1 almost made me ride
over the cliff a couple of
times!
El Tour de Mesa
4/6/13
Ride 70 or 28 miles in the main
event or choose the 5- or 1/4-mile
fun ride. The Main Event route
follows a scenic course with the
beautiful and rugged backdrop
of the Salt River Recreation Area
and Tonto National Forest. The fun
rides are short and fun; ideal for
the new or inexperienced cyclists.
The Finish Line Fiesta is a fun day
of all things bicycle, including
a Bike Swap, kids bike rodeo, a
self-paced historic bike tour, bike
art and food, games and music!
Enjoy the festivities on streets
closed to motorized traffic!
Mesa, AZ
www.perimeterbicycling.com
El Tour de Tucson
11/23/13
Come to Tucson and ride through
magnificent scenery surrounded
by four mountain ranges with
diverse ride options for cyclists of
all age levels and abilities. El Tour
attracts more than 9,000 cyclists
from all around the world. Unique
features include: three-day Bike
EXPO, exciting mass-start spectacle, and Mariachis at the first of
two river crossings.
Tucson, AZ
www.perimeterbicycling.com
CALIFORNIA
Solvang Century, Metric and
Half Century
3/9/13
This is the Grand-daddy of Centuries, rated in the top 10 best
centuries in the US by Bicycling
magazine. Choose from 50, 63 or
100 mile route options starting and finishing in downtown
Solvang. BBQ lunch, raffle, live DJ
and cycling festival before and
after the ride.
Solvang, CA
www.BikeSCOR.com
Grizzly Peak Century
5/5/13
Choose from routes of 75, 102,
or 109 miles and enjoy great
atmosphere, great roads, and
great food.
Moraga, CA
grizzlypeakcyclists.org/century/
Ride Around The Bear
6/8/13
One of the all-time great centuries. There is little more satisfying
than cruising nearly 40 miles
down the 7,000-foot descent from
Onyx Summit to Redlands.
Redlands, CA
www.ocwheelmen.org
Grand Tour
6/22/13
Enjoy the best of scenic Southern
California: beaches, valleys, mountains, luxury homes, farms and
even orange groves. All routes include multiple rest stops and are
fully supported for 24 hours. The
Grand Tour, the easiest double
in the California Triple Crown, is
always exhilarating — and joyful
to finish.
Malibu, CA
www.lawheelmen.org
Legendary Napa Bike Wine Tour
11/1/13
Riders will enjoy a 50-mile bike
ride in a small group with a
visiting Legend on a tour of
the quieter roads of rural Napa
County. Legends in years past
have included Levi Leipheimer,
Andy Hampsten, and Bob Roll.
Just 25 people will be allowed
to participate and each receive a
special commemorative cycling
jersey signed by the 2013 Legend.
St. Helena, CA
www.legendarynapabike.org
El Tour de Tucson
colorado
Mountain Top Experience Ride
6/22/13
With three different routes for all
skill levels, this ride will take you
through Park and Teller County
in the most majestic views that
Colorado has to offer.
Woodland Park, CO
mountaintopcyclingclub.com
CONNECTICUT
Thread City Century
6/8/13
A scenic ride from Connecticut’s
eastern Highlands into the lower
Connecticut Valley and back!
Chaplin, CT
threadcitycyclers.com
MY FA ORITE RIDE LINDA WARNOCK
My first organized charity ride — Tampa
to Orlando, Fla. It was 75 miles and the
longest I’d ridden previously was 24 miles.
The ride went something like this: Fell at
the start, new to clips. Slow. Rode by myself.
Fell again. Still slow. Missed a turn and got
lost. Found my way. Heard from the side
of the road, “They done left y’all behind,
babe.” Yeah, I got that. 92 miles by day’s
end. Finish line all but abandoned. Hurting
everywhere but bursting with adrenaline of
accomplishment. Greeted by family. Tears of
pride and joy. Laughed all the way to the ice
packs. Bit by the cycling bug!
FLORIDA
Tour of Boca
1/13/13, 2/10/13, 3/10/13
Tour beautiful Boca Raton with
a 15 mile, easy-paced, police
escorted bicycle ride beginning at
Patch Reef Park on Yamato Road.
Promote safe cycling while spending a pleasant afternoon with
family and friends.
Boca Raton, FL
bocaratonbikeclub
Moe’s 7th Annual Bike Brunch
1/27/13
Naples Premier Cycling Event!
Choose from 10, 20, 30, 62 or 100
mile bike ride options. This is truly
a ride for everyone — any skill or
fitness level.
Naples, FL
www.naplespathways.org
We-Bike-For-Kids
3/16/13
Join us for a day of fun at the
beautiful Villages, Florida’s Friendliest Home Town with routes of
10, 30, and 62 miles. The ride will
benefit Project Legacy and the
Sumter County Youth Center.
The Villages, FL
webikeforkids.com
American Bicyclist 19
RIDE GUIDE
Orange Blossom Express
Spring Tour
3/23 - 3/29/13
Join our fully supported spring
tour showcasing scenic back
roads and charming destinations.
From Spook Hill to Thrill Hill, our
“Orange Blossom Express” will
delight and excite cyclists looking
to experience a part of Florida rich
in history. Seven-day and two-day
tour options available.
Lakeland, FL
www.bikeflorida.org
Florida Bicycle Safari
4/20 - 4/25/13
The Florida Bicycle Safari is a
springtime bicycling adventure
that features six days of supported rides over some of the best
cycling roads in North Florida and
South Georgia. The six-day Safari
is limited to 250 participants. A
three-day option is also available
for those whose schedules do not
permit riding the full tour.
Live Oak, FL
www.floridabicyclesafari.com/
MY FA ORITE RIDE
TODD WILCZEWSKI
The Silver Comet,
from Smyrna,
Georgia, to the
Alabama state line.
BRAG WinterRide
2/26 - 3/3/13
A great Valentine’s Day present
for the sweetie cyclist in your life.
BRAG’s fourth annual WinterRide
will start in beautiful St. Mary’s,
Georgia.
St. Marys, GA
www.brag.org
GEORGIA
20 American Bicyclist
MY FA ORITE RIDE
JONATHAN HINE
How do I pick a favorite
from 60 years of riding
when I loved every
mile? Here’s a snapshot
memory from one
favorite: The burning in
my lungs from the salt
in the air on the North
Shore of Oahu during
a 115-mile solo ride
around the island. I was stunned by how much solid
material those massive rollers threw high in the air,
and how the northeast trades carried the salt deep
inshore. I have never been able to see pictures of
large surf without thinking of that incredible ride.
ILLINOIS
Folks on Spokes Easter Ride
4/28/13
The 31st Annual Folks on Spokes
Easter Ride will include routes of 18,
26, 36, 50 and 62 miles. Each route
follows lightly traveled paved roads
and a few miles of paved trail.
Park Forest, IL
folksonspokes.com
Photo by Amy Richards
Spring Tune-Up Ride by BRAG
4/5 - 4/7/13
All cyclists and their families are
invited to join the 20th annual
Spring Tune-Up Ride by BRAG in
beautiful Madison, Georgia. This
is a fun weekend for the whole
family and a great time to get in
shape for the Bicycle Ride Across
Georgia (BRAG) in June.
Madison, GA
www.brag.org
Roopville Ramble
5/18/13
The Roopville Ramble is a charity
ride organized by the Citizens of
Georgia Power benefitting Camp
Sunshine, a camp for kids with
serious illnesses. Four routes (15,
37, 67, and 104 miles) go through
rural areas in Georgia’s Carroll and
Heard counties.
Roopville, GA
http://roopvilleramble.org/
bicycleride/4sunshine.htm
No Baloney Bicycle Ride
8/24/13
The No Baloney Ride is intended
as just that, a recreational ride,
not a race. We pride ourselves on
excellent food and rider support
before, during, and after the ride.
Peoria, IL
www.ivwnobaloney.com
Fourth Annual Fall Festival Ride
10/5/13
Held in conjunction with the
Annual Lebanon Fall Festival,
this ride includes five routes
ranging from 13 to 67 miles on
the beautiful rolling roads and
highways in the area surrounding
Lebanon Illinois.
Lebanon, IL
www.ridgeprairietrailhead.org
MY FA ORITE RIDE
PAUL ADKINS
Eugene’s Blackberry
Bramble is a classic,
super-scenic tour of
the Willamette Valley.
Great people, great
food and world-class
scenery — one of
Oregon’s finest rides.
24th Annual Pumpkin Pie Ride
10/6/13
Road ride with multiple routes,
including century ride. Pumpkin
Pie served after the ride!
Ottawa, IL
starvedrockcycling.com
INDIANA
Touring Ride in Rural Indiana
June Rally
6/9- 6/14/13
Join us at Clifty Falls & Brown
County State Parks for six days of
cycling. Routes will feature wineries, the 19th century architecture
of Madison’s historic district,
and the modern architecture of
Columbus, Indiana — in addition
to the beauty of rural Indiana.
Madison, IN
www.triri.org/june_rally.html
RAINSTORM
(Ride Across Indiana: Same
Thing, Only Ride More)
7/8 – 7/13/13
RAINSTORM offers an intensive
week of cycling for riders preferring longer distances. Each day’s
route is approximately 100 miles,
and there are no layover days. Terrain ranges from rolling to hilly;
expect to be challenged.
Southern Indiana
http://www.triri.org/storm.html
September Escapade TRIRI
9/15 – 9/20/13
September Escapade will tour the
scenic and historic sites of south
central Indiana, with overnights
at Brown County, Spring Mill,
and McCormick’s Creek State
Parks. Routes use rural, hardsurfaced roads, with stops in small
towns for services. Terrain ranges
from rolling to hilly with some
challenging hills. Central Indiana
http://www.triri.org/se.html
Bicycle Ride Across Georgia
(BRAG)
6/1 - 6/8/13
The Bicycle Ride Across Georgia
is an annual odyssey of discovery
of gorgeous Georgia by bicycle.
BRAG is a family-oriented tour,
not a race. While a strenuous journey, BRAG has been completed
by all types of people: college
students and first graders, judges
and soldiers, teachers and grandparents. It’s like a fun summer
camp for the whole family.
Georgia
www.brag.org
American Bicyclist 21
RIDE GUIDE
MY FA ORITE RIDE PETER BREYFOGLE
The Root River Bike Trail in Lanesboro, Minn: 62
miles of flat and winding paved trails along the
Root River. The trail is between the river and the
protective bluffs, so too much wind or sun is
seldom a problem. Quaint towns every five to 10
miles add food and fun, and a large variety of birds
and wild flowers change with the seasons.
Amishland and Lakes
8/2 - 8/4/13
Amishland and Lakes is a three
day tour of Amish countryside
and Michigan lake country.
Routes range from 23-100 miles.
There are numerous Amish bakeries, restaurants and homemade
ice cream parlors along the route
for riders who want to get a taste
of the local flavor.
Howe, IN
http://www.amishlandlakes.com/
kansas
Cottonwood 200 Bike Tour
5/25 - 5/27/13
The Cottonwood 200 is a threeday bicycle tour on paved roads
through the Flint Hills of northeast Kansas. The ride covers 200
miles (75 miles day one; 50 miles
day two; 75 miles day three) over
the Memorial Day Weekend.
Topeka, KS
http://cottonwood200.org
Photo by Steven Lehner
22 American Bicyclist
KENTUCKY
Horsey Hundred
5/25- 5/27/13
The Horsey Hundred will be Memorial weekend in Georgetown,
Kentucky. The featured route is
Saturday’s challenging century
ride, however distances of 35, 55,
and 75 miles will also be offered
on Saturday. Sunday routes are
rougly 35, 50, and 70 miles and
head toward beautiful Paris,
Kentucky.
Georgetown, KY
www.bgcycling.org
MASSACHUSETTS
Climb To The Clouds
7/21/13
Spend the day with fellow cyclists
touring through the apple
orchard country of east central
Massachusetts with rides from 48
to 100 miles. Climb To The Clouds
is NOT for beginners.
Sudbury, MA
http://www.crw.org/CTTC/climb2clouds.php
NCC BikeFest & Tour of the
Valley
9/21/13
Come out to enjoy the stunning fall foliage, dairy farms, and
quaint villages of the Pioneer
Valley. Ride the 8, 25, 43, 72 or 104
mile routes in the heart of New
England cycling country and stay
for the gourmet food, beer, live
music and entertainment.
Northampton, MA
http://bikefest.nohobikeclub.org/
MARYLAND
Kent County Spring Fling
5/24- 5/27/13
Join the Baltimore Bicycling Club
and enjoy four days cycling the
lightly traveled roads of Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay Eastern
Shore. Rides of 11 to 100 miles
meander along flat to rolling
roads — through rural towns
and along scenic rivers. Award
winning cuisine, dessert and
cordial parties, dancing, and great
music will round out your perfect
bicycling experience.
Chestertown, MD
www.BaltoBikeclub.org
Tour dem Parks, Hon!
6/9/13
The annual tour of the Baltimore
parks system goes through Baltimore’s parks and neighborhoods,
giving riders a up-close view of
regional attractions and quietly
tucked away gems. Participants
choose from 14, 25, 35 or 64
mile routes. Proceeds benefit
Baltimore’s parks, environment
and cycling.
Baltimore, MD
www.tourdemparks.org
MICHIGAN
Sunrise Adventure
6/14- 6/16/13
Experience the spectacular Lake
Huron coastline of Michigan’s
Northeast Lower Peninsula.
Alpena will be home base for our
three 40 to 60-mile days of scenic
riding.
Alpena, MI
www.LMB.org
PALM (Pedal Across Lower
Michigan)
6/22- 6/28/13
Michigan’s premier family cycling
tour, suitable for the novice or
veteran tour rider.
Muskegon, MI
www.lmb.org/palm
MUP (Michigan Upper
Peninsula) Bicycle Tour
7/15- 7/20/13
The MUP Tour will explore the
eastern tip of the Upper Peninsula, beginning and ending at St.
Ignace. From St. Ignace, you (and
your bike) can also ferry over to
experience the magic of Mackinac
Island.
St. Ignace, MI
www.LMB.org
Ride Around Torch
7/21/13
The Ride Around Torch is an
annual one-day 26, 63, or 100
mile bicycle tour primarily along
the scenic shores of Torch Lake,
Michigan’s longest and one of its
most beautiful inland lakes with
unusually clear, bright turquoise
hued waters. The 100 mile ride is
a challenging century with the
rolling shoreline of Torch Lake,
extreme hills and then some.
Elk Rapids, MI
www.cherrycapitalcyclingclub.org
AMERICAN
THE LEAGUE OF AMERICAN BICYCLISTS
The League of American Bicyclists, founded in
1880 as the League of American Wheelmen,
promotes bicycling for fun, fitness and
transportation, and works through advocacy
and education for a bicycle-friendly America. The
League represents the interests of the nation’s
57 million bicyclists. With a current membership
of 300,000 affiliated cyclists, including 25,000
individuals and 700 organizations, the League
works to bring better bicycling to your
community. Contact League officers, directors
or staff at League of American Bicyclists, 1612 K
Street, NW, Suite 510, Washington, DC 200062850, 202-822-1333; [email protected],
fax: 202-822-1334.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Diane Albert, [email protected]
Harry Brull, Secretary, [email protected]
Gary Brustin, [email protected]
Steve Durrant, [email protected]
Jennifer Grey Fox, [email protected]
Alison Hill Graves, [email protected]
David Madson, [email protected]
Matt Moore, [email protected]
Mike Nix, [email protected]
John Siemiatkoski, [email protected]
Gail Spann, [email protected]
Eric Swanson, [email protected], Treasurer
Hans van Naerssen, Chair,
[email protected]
Corinne Winter, [email protected]
Tim Young, Vice-chair, [email protected]
Phyllis Harmon, Director Emeritus,
[email protected]
STAFF
Andy Clarke - President
Alison Dewey - BFA Program Specialist
Darren Flusche - Policy Director
Lorna Green - Director of Operations
Bill Nesper - Vice President, Programs
Elizabeth Kiker - Executive Vice President
Katie Omberg - Events and Outreach Manager
Alissa Simcox - Education Director
Carolyn Szczepanski - Communications Director
Scott Williams - Membership Director
Nicole Wynands - BFA Program Specialist
AMERICAN BICYCLIST MAGAZINE
Editor: Carolyn Szczepanski
Art Director: Studio D Design
Editor Emeritus: Phyllis W. Harmon
American Bicyclist magazine (ISSN 0747-0371) is published six times yearly by the League of American Bicyclists, Inc. ©2012 League of American Bicyclists. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.
Article queries should be addressed to [email protected]. Your submission of manuscripts, photographs,
or artwork, is your warranty that the material in no way
infringes on the rights of others and that the material may
be published without additional approval. Opinions expressed by writers are their own and do not necessarily
reflect the policies of the League.
MY FA ORITE RIDE
JEFF DONNER
My favorite route here in
Miami is south on Biscayne
Boulevard, through Pace Park,
across the Venetian Causeway
to South Pointe, ride around
Miami Beach for a while, and
back. It’s 20 miles with a water
view almost the entire time!
27th Shoreline West
Bicycle Tour
8/4- 8/10/13
Experience the Lake Michigan
Shoreline for seven glorious days
of riding. From swimming in the
lake, to the cherry lady, to the
sand dunes, to the sights and
sounds of Traverse City, through
the Tunnel of Trees and finishing
with a spectacular view of the
Mackinac Bridge. Come join us
for our 27th year of exploring the
coastline of Lake Michigan.
Montague, MI
www.LMB.org
Leelanau Harvest Tour
9/15/13
The Leelanau Harvest Tour is a
great biking adventure for both
families and single riders as the
fall colors begin to show and temperatures begin to cool. Leaving
from the Suttons Bay High School,
all routes wind through beautiful Leelanau County on excellent
paved roads passing by farms,
orchards, vineyards, and through
quaint villages.
Suttons Bay, MI
www.leelanauharvesttour.org
Celebration of Cycling
9/14/13
With routes ranging from 6 to 100
miles, cyclists of all abilities can
participate in this great event!
This event raises funds and awareness for Programs to Educate All
Cyclists, a non-profit organization
that empowers individuals with
disabilities through cycling.
Dearborn Heights, MI
bikeprogram.org
Double Decker Spring Ride
4/27/13
The Double Decker Spring Ride
offers three fully supported ride
distances of 20, 40 and 62.5 miles
through the rolling hills of Oxford
south to Taylor, Miss., and through
Lafayette County.
Oxford, MS
http://oxfordcycling.org
MY FA ORITE RIDE
CRYSTAL DAVIS
My favorite organized ride from
this past year was the Harlem
Valley Rail Ride in Millerton, New
York. There was beautiful scenery,
the best rest stops I’ve ever
encountered, a couple nice hills,
and a great picnic at the end.
MISSISSIPPI
NORTH CAROLINA
Fletcher Flyer
6/2/13
The Blue Ridge Bicycle Club
(BRBC) is proud to bring you the
10th annual Fletcher Flyer. The
event is a great course for first
time riders on every route option
and a fast ride for more experienced riders who want to do a
century without spending all day.
Fletcher, NC
http://www.fletcherflyer.com/
American Bicyclist 23
RIDE GUIDE
Blue Ridge Brutal
8/10/13
The Blue Ridge Brutal bike ride
tours two northwest North Carolina counties: Ashe and Alleghany
and the Blue Ridge Parkway.
There are 3 BRB Ride options –
102, 76 and 57 miles. While challenging, each of the rides travels
through some of the most beautiful scenery in North Carolina. The
Blue Ridge Brutal is a fundraiser
for the Ashe Civic Center.
West Jefferson, NC
blueridgebrutal.org
NEBRASKA
Kool-Aid Classic Bicycle Tour
8/10/13
Tour the scenic, paved country
roads surrounding the birthplace
of Kool-Aid. Choose from 20, 40
or 65-mile routes with several rest
stops (with Kool-Aid refreshment!)
along the way.
Hastings, NE
http://www.kaclassic.com
Heatstroke 100
8/25/13
The Heatstroke 100 is a noncompetitive, sagged one-day ride.
Ride loops of 24, 35, or 49 miles,
for a possible total of 108 miles,
through the Platte River Valley
and surrounding areas, with scenic vistas and rolling hills. The ride
is on paved roads, and crosses the
Platte River on the beautiful Lied
Platte River Bridge.
Lincoln, NE
greatplainsbikeclub.org
MY FA ORITE RIDE
CHARLES PLUNK
Shiloh National Military
Park. A 10-mile loop with
rolling Hills, shady lanes,
historical monuments,
and the Tennessee River.
I can’t get enough!
24 American Bicyclist
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Tri-State Seacoast Century
9/21 - 9/22/13
The 40th annual Tri-State Seacoast Century along some of the
scenic shorelines of New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts
promises to deliver a very enjoyable cycling experience -- and
across a new bridge into Maine.
Hampton Beach, NH
www.GraniteStateWheelmen.org
NEW JERSEY
Princeton Free Wheelers
Bicycle Event
8/3/13
The 33rd annual event, rides
range from a family-friendly 16
miles to our popular century with
35, 50, flat metric and hilly metric
in between. Strong SAG support, well-stocked rest stops, cue
sheets, marked routes, and after
ride meal make this ride through
the beautiful country roads of
central New Jersey a must.
West Windsor, NJ
www.princetonfreewheelers.com
NEW MEXICO
Santa Fe Century
5/19/13
Now in its 27th year, join us for
routes of 25, 50, or 100 miles with
six food stops and sag wagon
support vehicles.
Santa Fe, NM
SantaFeCentury.com
MY FA ORITE RIDE RYAN KRAGERUD
Bicycle Longmont’s G’Knight Ride. We were
unsuccessful getting grants so, being in the West,
we grabbed our bootstraps and several craft brews
and created our own family-friendly fundraiser
ride with Oskar Blues Brewery! Bikes, Brews, Bands
and Bouncy Castles; does it get better? I think not!
NEW YORK
Sean’s Run
4/27/13
Join us for a 20-mile Fun Ride or
50-mile County Half-Century Tour
in Columbia County.
Chatham, NY
www.SeansRun.com
Tour of the Hamptons
9/22/13
The 22nd Annual Tour of the
Hamptons travels through mostly
flat terrain and rolling hills on the
south fork of Long Island, passing
farmlands, beaches, mansions
and historic towns such as East
Hampton, Amagansett and Montauk before returning to Southampton. The tour has routes of 25,
50, 70, 100 miles and two 25 mile
Escorted Rides.
Southampton, NY
www.massparkbikeclub.org
OHIO
Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure
6/15- 6/22/13
GOBA is a bicycle-camping tour
and “an adventure on two wheels
with 2,999 of your closest friends.”
The route will celebrate our 25th
annual tour of the great towns of
Ohio. The view from your bicycle
will offer outstanding rural scenery, and the week-long adventure
will feature fun, Ohio small-town
hospitality, and the challenge of
your life. Don’t miss out!
Ohio
www.goba.com
Mad Anthony River Rally
8/3/13
20th annual Mad Anthony
River Rally. Chris Cakes breakfast,
souvenir photo and ice cream
included in registration.
Whitehouse, OH
www.toledoareabicyclists.org
OKLAHOMA
Tour de Tulsa
5/4/13
Now in its 22nd year, this is a Tulsa
area classic and generally attracts
between 400 and 700 riders with
full SAG support and ample rest
stops.
Tulsa, OK
www.tulsabicycleclub.com/
tourdetulsa
OREGON
Cycle Oregon Weekend Event
7/12 – 7/14/13
The 2013 Weekend Ride will
showcase a variety of rides for
riders of all shapes and sizes. With
our trusty mix of family-friendly
and more challenging routes,
you can have a most magical
experience.
Oregon
www.cycleoregon.com
Le Grande Tour
7/20/13
The 6th Annual Tour de Parks Bike
Ride will celebrate the scenery
and particularly the city parks of
Washington County, Oregon, and
invite people to get on their bikes
in a fun, family-oriented setting.
The Le Grande Tour (approximately 62 miles, a metric century) visits
several city parks in a scenic tour
through rural Washington County,
and includes a water station and
lunch.
Hillsboro, OR
http://www.tourdeparks.com/
Cycle Oregon
9/7 – 9/14/13
Cycle Oregon delivers the best
combination of scenery, challenge, amenities, camaraderie
and philanthropy of any ride out
there. A fun-loving mix of backroad riding and two-wheeled
tent revival, our event moves
from town to town with 2,000 or
more riders enjoying generous
hospitality and providing direct financial benefits to our host towns
as well as cycling-related causes
throughout Oregon.
Oregon
www.cycleoregon.com
Yaquina Lighthouse Rides
8/17/13
Choose from a 25 mile out and
back from the Yaquina Head
Lighthouse; a 75 mile ride that
follows the Yaquina and Siletz Rivers and returns to the lighthouse
via the Oregon Coast Bike Route
on Highway 101 with the wind at
your back; or a century ride that
follows the same route as the 75
mile ride with an additional leg to
Moonshine Park and Taft.
Newport, OR
www.yaquinawheels.org
PENNSYLVANIA
Three Creek Century
9/15/13
Join the Harrisburg Bicycle Club
for a scenic 100-mile tour of
beautiful Central Pennsylvania.
This event is fully supported and
is noted for its quiet roads, quaint
small towns and great home
made food.
Carlisle, PA
www.threecreekcentury.com
SOUTH CAROLINA
After Charleston Marathon
1/20/13
The day after the Charleston
Marathon, join us for a 30 or 60
mile ride.
Charleston, SC
www.CharlestonMarathon.com
MY FA ORITE RIDE
JANIS MATTHEWS
Trinity Trails in Fort
Worth, Texas — 60
miles of trails along
the Trinity River.
American Bicyclist 25
RIDE GUIDE
TENNESSEE
3 State 3 Mountain Challenge
5/4/13
One of the southeast’s most
scenic and challenging events
offers four route options for riders. The rigorous 100-mile option
takes riders through Tennessee,
Alabama and Georgia and over
three mountains; the 90-mile
option takes riders through three
states and two mountains; the
moderate 62-mile option spans
two states; and the 25-mile ride is
a moderately hilly ride on roads of
Tennessee and Georgia.
Chattanooga, TN
chattbike.com
Elk River Valley 100
9/7/13
The Elk River Valley 100 has something for everyone — beautiful
scenery, great food and lots of
fun. Please join us as we tour six
counties of scenic Middle Tennessee and visit historic Lynchburg,
TN, home to the Jack Daniels
Distillery.
Tullahoma, TN
http://www.elkrivercentury.org
Bluff City Blues 100
10/5/13
A century starting at the Mud Island River Perk in Memphis, Tenn.,
this ride also includes BBQ , Beer,
and Blues. Don’t forget to take a
photo with the famous Hernando
Desoto Bridge in the background
as a momento of the ride.
Memphis, TN
Www.bcb100.com
MY FA ORITE RIDE BECKY JOHNSON
Iron Mountain Road in South Dakota – also known as
Pigtail Bridges to locals. The ride takes you through
the heart of the Black Hills and then, to top it off, you
can make the big climb to Mt. Rushmore.
TEXAS
Bike MS: BP MS 150
4/20 - 4/21/13
The BP MS 150 is a two-day
fundraising cycling ride organized
by the National MS Society South
Central region. With over 13,000
participants, this ride is the largest
event of its kind in North America.
The ride is a two day, 180-mile
journey for MS from Houston to
Austin.
Houston, TX
www.ms150.org
The Hottest Day of The Year
Ride & Party
8/10/13
The Hottest Day of The Year Ride
& Party celebrates the peak of
summer heat. From this date,
the days become cooler. But in
the meantime, we demonstrate
that bicycling in the dog days of
summer is not only feasible, but
practical and fun!
Austin, TX
http://bikeaustin.org/hot
VIRGINIA
Alleghany Highlands Cycling
Festival
7/13 - 7/14/13
Come out to the cooler heights
of the Alleghany mountains of
western Virginia and tackle the
challenge of the Gran Fondo
Alleghany Highlands alongside
brain injury survivor and retired
pro cyclist Saul Raisin. On Sunday,
stay for the Raisin Recovery Ride
to support Virginia Veterans and
expand your knowledge and
fitness by attending a training
seminar with Hunter Allen.
Covington, VA
www.ahcyclingfestival.com
MY FA ORITE RIDE PLUMAS-SIERRA BICYCLE CLUB
The Gold Lake Highway Loop – an ongoing ride in
Graeagle, California in late spring, summer and fall. The
prettiest ride in the High Sierras with three mountain
passes, alpine meadows carpeted with wildflowers,
many mountain lakes, the cascading Yuba river, and
the spectacular Sierra Buttes. 44 miles and 4,500 feet
of climbing!
Photo by Richard Risemberg
26 American Bicyclist
Shenandoah Valley Century
9/8/13
We invite you to join us and many
others on the Shenandoah Valley
Century for some of the finest
cycling to be found. Scenic vistas,
small towns, beautiful farms,
quiet roads, and more. All routes
are paved and have low traffic
volume.
Harrisonburg, VA
http://www.svbcoalition.org/
events/century/
WASHINGTON
2013 Inland Empire Century
5/11/13
The Inland Empire Century,
established in 1981, provides ride
options of 25, 50, 75, or 100 miles.
Proceeds from this ride support
the community service activities
of the Kiwanis Clubs of The Columbia and Tri-Cities Industry.
Richland, WA
inlandempirecentury.org
Rhody Bike Tour
5/12/13
The Rhody Tour is a fun ride with
distance and difficulty options for
everyone from families and beginning cyclists to century-riding
veterans.
Port Townsend, WA
ptbikes.org/rides/rhodytour/
RAPSody
8/24 - 8/25/13
Enjoy the scenic back roads
and bike trails of five Washington counties while supporting
statewide bicycle advocacy and
education. The approximate 170mile loop around the South Puget
Sound starts and ends at Tacoma
Community College and includes
lots of rolling hills, 30 miles of
paved bike trails, and water and
mountain views. Slightly hilly but
with a modest amount of training,
you’ll be ready. RAPSody is not to
be missed!
Tacoma, WA
http://www.rapsodybikeride.com/
WISCONSIN
Ride on Oconto History
5/1/13
Join us for one of five bike routes
set up around the city with 46
historical stops to promote biking
and Oconto’s rich history.
Oconto, WI
[email protected]
Swiss Cheese & Spotted Cows
6/22 - 6/27/13
This ride features the best of the
driftless area of southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois. Throughout the tour, we’ll meander along
quiet pastoral country lanes
dotted with small farms; refuel on
homemade melt-in-your-mouth
cinnamon rolls and chin drippin’
peaches; tour a local brewery and
sample some of their brews; visit
a cheese factory and taste some
of Wisconsin’s great cheese, and
more!
Mineral Point, WI
www.scscbiketour.com
Photo by Oscar Jimenez
WEST VIRGINIA
Appalachian Spring Spectacular
5/5/13
Choose a 25, 45 or 60 mile ride on
scenic, low traffic roads north into
Pennsylvania from Morgantown,
WV. Longer routes are moderately
hilly and challenging for moderately fit cyclists.
Morgantown, WV
crcyclists.org
MY FA ORITE RIDE
ALEX STODDARD
Bennie Creek Trail in
Payson Canyon, Utah.
MY FA ORITE RIDE
JABE HICKEY
The Fruit Loops Ride. An easy
40-mile ride from Longmont or
Boulder, Colo., across the plains
and farms, then two five-mile
loops down a lane lined with fruit
trees and on Apple Valley Road
outside of Lyons (with a stop at
the Stone Cup for some caffeine!).
It’s beautiful rolling terrain; a great
recovery ride.
American Bicyclist 27
quickstop
Q:
What is the best thing
about your commute?
You don’t have to go far for a great ride. Many of us pedal to and from work – and savor
the experience each and every day. In fact, we asked the League’s Facebook community
to complete the sentence: “My favorite thing about my commute is…” and got dozens of
inspiring responses. Enjoy the ride!
b
reathing in
the rush of wind as I
pass all the sad and
disgruntled faces
stuck behind the
wheel. (John Adams)
Photo by Bethany Heemeyer
j
umping
on two wheels just
before sun up, the
world is still half
asleep. I enjoy the
ride to the office all
the while watching
the world wake up
and shake off the
night dust. (Cameron
Creamer)
t
he cheerful
greetings from all
the school crossing
guards as I pedal
past. (Susan Pitcher)
Photo by Randy Rasa
l
eaving home
with my truck still in
the garage and riding
past the gas station
displaying $4.28 per
gallon. (Eric Lewis)
t
he autumn
smells, and the view
of Pioneer Peak in
Palmer, Alaska.
(Mandy Hale)
t
he beautiful
view of the river
as I bike over
Massachusetts
Avenue here in
Boston. The city looks
so pretty from that
view. (Christine M.
Casalini)
w
hen a
student at the school
where I teach passes
me on the way to or
from campus and
waves or yells a joyful
greeting. That never
happened when I
was in my car!
(Mary Barnes)
s
melling the
grills and trying to
decide what to have
for supper. (Tom
Walsh)
s
potting
bald eagles along
the Potomac River.
(Mary Rawle Jones)
s
inging
and humming the
tornado song from
“The Wizard of Oz”
with visions of the
Wicked Witch in my
head, while I peddle
down a dusty dirt
trail on my beach
comber. (Maria
DeLeon Garibay)
c
rossing the
George Washington
Bridge just before
sunrise — and not
paying $12 to do it!
(Michael Zuko)
Photo by Lorie Bartnes
28 American Bicyclist
IV American Bicyclist